Sheffield ready to fulfil its broadcasting dreams despite C4 news

City leaders say that Sheffield is ready to step up its film and broadcasting offer after receiving positive feedback to its bids to become a new home for Channel 4.

Channel 4 execs have today announced that Sheffield won’t be shortlisted for a creative hub after making the original 13-city shortlist.

But the team that brought together the If Channel 4 Were A City brochure say that confidence is sky high that it can deliver a National Screen Institute which enables the city to fulfil its filmmaking aspirations.

Councillor Mazher Iqbal, cabinet member for business and investment at Sheffield City Council, said: “We produced a brilliant bid for Channel 4 and we know that it has given the city a big boost to be considered as a new home for the broadcaster.

“We are absolutely determined that this is just the start in fulfilling our ambitions to build a world-leading digital and creative industry. We have so many pieces already in place from grass roots film-makers and digital journalists to established operators with a global reach like Warp Films.

“We have two award-winning universities turning out the film-makers and journalists of the future as well as the UTC and Sheffield College who played such an important part in our bid.”

John Mothersole, chief executive of SCC, said: “We are naturally disappointed after pulling together such a strong bid which brought the city together.

“The message is clear – we are a city that can shout about its many strengths and be a force to reckon with.

“The feedback from the broadcaster was clear – we excelled and our people excelled, and my thanks go to everyone who got us to this stage. Channel 4 has committed to work with Sheffield in the future.”